SIM provisioning via WiFi

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/434,847 filed Dec. 22, 2022 and entitled, “SIM Provisioning Via WiFi,” by Paul Avetoom, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

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Mobile communication devices are used for communication, connection, organization, information, and entertainment. A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is an integrated circuit that is intended to securely store the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate a subscriber device for attachment to a radio access network (RAN) of a mobile service provider, for example to receive a wireless link from a cell site. Typically, a SIM card is an embedded semiconductor molded into a plastic card made of PVC. The embedded semiconductor circuit is part of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) physical smart card that contains a unique serial number, Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID), IMSI, and other security information associated with the mobile service provider. In some embodiments, the SIM card is removable from the subscriber device. In other embodiments, the SIM is an embedded-SIM (eSIM) or embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) that is embedded directly into a subscriber device. SIM cards and eSIMs may also be referred to as SIM devices.

When a subscriber device is used for the first time after installation of (or fabrication with) a new SIM device, the SIM device contacts an OTA (Over-The-Air) platform via the RAN to receive Card Personalization System (CPS) files that include a card profile defining a file system and other properties of the SIM card as well as other card specific data. Once the SIM card has received and installed the CPS files, the subscriber device is fully provisioned to operate in the mobile service provider network.

In an embodiment, a method for obtaining, at first activation of a SIM device, CPS files from a mobile service provider is disclosed. The method comprises establishing by an application stored on the SIM device before activation a WiFi connection to a core network of the mobile service provider, sending by the application via the WiFi connection a message to an OTA platform of the mobile service provider, the message comprising an identifier of the SIM device and a request for CPS files associated with the SIM device, receiving by the application a Short Message Service (SMS) message via the WiFi connection, the SMS message comprising the CPS files, and storing by the application the CPS files in the SIM device.

In another embodiment, a subscriber device configured to obtain, at first activation of a SIM device, CPS files from a mobile service provider is disclosed. The subscriber device comprises a WiFi antenna, a WiFi transceiver coupled to the WiFi antenna, a non-transitory memory, a device processor coupled to the non-transitory memory and to the WiFi transceiver, and a SIM provisioning application stored in the SIM device prior to activation that, when executed by the processor establishes a WiFi connection to a core network of the mobile service provider sends via the WiFi connection a message to an OTA platform of the mobile service provider, the message comprising an identifier of the SIM device and a request for CPS files associated with the SIM device, receives a Short Message Service (SMS) message via the WiFi connection, the SMS message comprising the CPS files, and stores in the SIM device the CPS files.

In yet another embodiment, a method for obtaining CPS files from a mobile service provider when a subscriber device is unable at power up to attach to any operator network in an operator list of a SIM device is disclosed. The method comprises determining by an application stored on the SIM device that the application is unable to attach to any operator network in a first operator list of the SIM device, establishing by the application a WiFi connection to a core network of the mobile service provider, sending by the application via the WiFi connection a message to an OTA platform of the mobile service provider, the message comprising an identifier of the SIM device and a request for CPS files associated with the SIM device, receiving by the application a Short Message Service (SMS) message via the WiFi connection, the SMS message comprising the CPS files, the CPS files comprising a second operator list based on a geographical location of the SIM device, storing by the application the CPS files in the SIM device, and attaching to an operator network in the second operator list.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

SIMs are currently configured to be provisioned over a RAN of a mobile service provider, however there are circumstances where a subscriber device may not be able to access a RAN when it is first activated in a first example, the subscriber device is out of range of the RAN. In a second example, the subscriber device is in a region for which it does not have a Preferred Roaming List (PRL). In a third example, the SIM has not been pre-programmed with an IP Multimedia Subsystem Public User Identity (IMPU).

A system according to the disclosure provides the capability of delivering SIM credentials over WiFi in any of these three examples (and in other circumstances) where the subscriber device is not able to access a RAN when it is first activated. More particularly, during activation a subscriber device connects to a WiFi network (or other non-OTA access network) to establish a data bearer path. An application in the SIM connects over this data bearer path to a SIM OTA platform. The SIM OTA platform sends a Short Message Service (SMS) message containing an OTA CPS file to an SMS platform. The SMS platform delivers the SMS message to the subscriber device via either a Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) in a 5G network or an enhanced Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) in a 3GPP network. The SIM on the subscriber device installs the contents of the CPS file and is thus provisioned for communication over the RAN.

In this way the SMS is delivered over a non-access stratum (NAS) to the SIM card in a circumstance where the subscriber device is not able to access a RAN when it is first activated. This provides the benefit that the SIM card is provided with CPS files it would normally only receive via the RAN. The system according to the disclosure differs from prior provisioning systems at least in that prior systems rely on automated provisioning of a SIM over a telephony RAN, while in the system according to the disclosure the automated provisioning of the SIM is over a non-telephony network—for example, WiFi.

Turning now to, a communication systemaccording to the disclosure is described. In an embodiment, the systemcomprises User Equipment (UE)and OTA platform, communicating wired or wirelessly via a network. The UEmay be a handheld device, such as a smart phone or tablet, or a laptop computer, communicating wirelessly with the network. The networkmay be one or more public networks, one or more private networks, or a combination thereof. The networkmay comprise or be coupled to a 5G core networkor, in other embodiments, a 4G or 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

The UEcomprises a processor, a memory, a subscriber identification (or identity) device (SIM), a cellular radio transceiver, a radio antenna, a WiFi transceiver, and a WiFi antenna. In other embodiments, the SIMmay be an embedded SIM (eSIM). The SIMincludes a SIM provisioning application. A portion of the memorymay be a non-transitory memory and a portion of the memorymay be a transitory memory.

When properly activated and provisioned, the UEmay be able to establish a wireless communication link to a radio access network (RAN), for example to an evolved Node B (eNB). The eNBmay also be referred to as a cell site or cell tower in some contexts. The eNBmay provide the UEa communication link to the network. The UEmay communicate via the eNBand via the networkto the OTA platform.

Prior to provisioning of the SIM, the UEmay be able to establish a WiFi communication link (or WiFi connection) to the network, for example via a WiFi access point. The access pointmay provide the UEa WiFi connection to the network. The UEmay communicate via the access pointand via the networkto the OTA platform.

The networkmay include elements from more than one wired or wireless service provider. For example, the UEmay be coupled to the networkvia a first service provider, while the access pointmay be coupled via a second service provider. Any of the elements of systemmay be coupled to other elements via the 5G core network. Where the networkcomprises elements from multiple service providers, the networkmay include a plurality of 5G core networks, each supported by a different service provider and coupled to each other directly or via wired or wireless connections through non-5G elements of the network.

The SIMmay be provisioned over a RAN of a mobile service provider via the eNBwhere the UEis able to access the eNBwhen the UEis first activated. However, there are circumstances where the UEis not able to access the eNBwhen the UEis first activated. Examples of such circumstances include: where the subscriber device is out of range of the eNB, where the UEis in a region where its PRL does not provide information enabling the UEto communicate with the eNB, where the SIMhas been pre-programmed with an IMPU, or other similar impediment to the UEcommunicating with the eNB.

The communication systemis configured to deliver SIM credentials over WiFi, if needed. If the UEis unable communicate with the eNB, the UEis configured to connect to the access pointto establish a data bearer path via a non-OTA access network to the network. The SIM provisioning applicationconnects over this data bearer path to the OTA platform. The OTA platformsends an SMS message containing an OTA CPS file to an SMS platform of the network. The SMS platform delivers the SMS message to the UEvia either an N3IWF in a 5G network or an EPDG in a 3GPP network. The SIM provisioning applicationinstalls the contents of the CPS file in the SIMand the UEis thus provisioned for communication over the RAN. In this way the SMS is delivered over a non-access stratum (NAS) connection to the SIM, with the result that the SIMhas the CPS files it would normally only receive via the eNB.

is a flow chart of a methodaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the methodis a method for the applicationstored on the SIM deviceof the UEto obtain CPS files over a WiFi connection or other NAS connection or data bearer. The applicationis stored on the SIM deviceprior to the first activation of the SIM devicewith a mobile service provider.

At step, the applicationestablishes a WiFi connection to a core network of the mobile service provider. Stepmay be performed as part of a standard process at first startup of the UEor may be performed in response to the applicationattempting and failing to establish a connection to the core network via a RAN. In various embodiments, the WiFi connection to the core network may be established via an ePDG of an LTE core network or a N3IWF of a 5G core network.

At step, the applicationsends a message to an OTA platformvia the WiFi connection. The message includes an identifier of the SIM deviceand a request for CPS files associated with the SIM device. In various embodiments, the identifier of the SIM devicemay include one or more of a security certificate, a unique serial number, an ICCID, and an IMSI and its related key. In some embodiments, the message is sent to the OTA platformat a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) address stored in the SIM device.

At step, the applicationreceives an SMS message via the WiFi connection, the SMS message comprising the requested CPS files. In various embodiments, the CPS files may include one or both of a PRL and an IMPU. At step, the received CPS files are stored in the SIM device, thereby completing initial provisioning of the SIM deviceover a WiFi connection or other NAS connection or data bearer.

is a flow chart of a methodaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the methodis a method for the applicationstored on the SIM deviceof the UEto obtain CPS files over a WiFi connection or other NAS connection or data bearer when the applicationis unable at power up to attach to any operator network in an operator list of the SIM device—for example, after an international flight, when the UEis first powered in a different country than that in which it was last used. The applicationis stored on the SIM deviceprior to the first activation of the SIM devicewith a mobile service provider.

At step, the applicationdetermines that it is unable to attach to any operator network in a first operator list stored in the SIM device. In some embodiments, the applicationmakes the determination by attempting to establish a connection to a core network of the mobile service provider via a RAN of each operator in the first operator list.

At step, the applicationestablishes a WiFi connection to the core network. In various embodiments, the WiFi connection to the core network may be established via an ePDG of an LTE core network or a N3IWF of a 5G core network.

At step, the applicationsends a message to an OTA platformvia the WiFi connection. The message includes an identifier of the SIM deviceand a request for CPS files associated with the SIM device. In various embodiments, the identifier of the SIM devicemay include one or more of a security certificate, a unique serial number, an ICCID, and an IMSI and its related key. In some embodiments, the message is sent to the OTA platformat an FQDN address stored in the SIM device. In some embodiments, the application receives a broadcast from a nearby cell site, obtains from the broadcast a mobile country code (which indicates a geographical location of the SIM device), and includes the mobile country code in the message sent to the OTA platform. In other embodiments, the OTA platformmay determine the geographical location of the SIM devicefrom information relating to a geographical location of the access pointor a geographical location of a network node through which the message sent to the OTA platformis routed on its path from the access point.

At step, the applicationreceives an SMS message via the WiFi connection, the SMS message comprising the requested CPS files, where the CPS files include a second operator list based on the geographical location of the SIM device. In various embodiments, the CPS files may include one or both of a PRL and an IMPU.

At step, the received CPS files are stored in the SIM device, thereby completing initial provisioning of the SIM deviceover a WiFi connection or other NAS connection or data bearer. At step, the UEattaches to a RAN of an operator network in the second operator list.

illustrates a computer systemsuitable for implementing one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The computer systemincludes a processor(which may be referred to as a central processor unit, CPU, or device processor) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), input/output (I/O) devices, and network connectivity devices. The processormay be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

It is understood that by programming and/or loading executable instructions onto the computer system, at least one of the CPU, the RAM, and the ROMare changed, transforming the computer systemin part into a particular machine or apparatus having the novel functionality taught by the present disclosure. It is fundamental to the electrical engineering and software engineering arts that functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be converted to a hardware implementation by well-known design rules. Decisions between implementing a concept in software versus hardware typically hinge on considerations of stability of the design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issues involved in translating from the software domain to the hardware domain. Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent change may be preferred to be implemented in software, because re-spinning a hardware implementation is more expensive than re-spinning a software design. Generally, a design that is stable that will be produced in large volume may be preferred to be implemented in hardware, for example in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), because for large production runs the hardware implementation may be less expensive than the software implementation. Often a design may be developed and tested in a software form and later transformed, by well-known design rules, to an equivalent hardware implementation in an application specific integrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software. In the same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a particular machine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been programmed and/or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed as a particular machine or apparatus.

Additionally, after the systemis turned on or booted, the CPUmay execute a computer program or application. For example, the CPUmay execute software or firmware stored in the ROMor stored in the RAM. In some cases, on boot and/or when the application is initiated, the CPUmay copy the application or portions of the application from the secondary storageto the RAMor to memory space within the CPUitself, and the CPUmay then execute instructions that the application is comprised of. In some cases, the CPUmay copy the application or portions of the application from memory accessed via the network connectivity devicesor via the I/O devicesto the RAMor to memory space within the CPU, and the CPUmay then execute instructions that the application is comprised of. During execution, an application may load instructions into the CPU, for example load some of the instructions of the application into a cache of the CPU. In some contexts, an application that is executed may be said to configure the CPUto do something, e.g., to configure the CPUto perform the function or functions promoted by the subject application. When the CPUis configured in this way by the application, the CPUbecomes a specific purpose computer or a specific purpose machine.

The secondary storageis typically comprised of one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAMis not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storagemay be used to store programs which are loaded into RAMwhen such programs are selected for execution. The ROMis used to store instructions and perhaps data which are read during program execution. ROMis a non-volatile memory device which typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage. The RAMis used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROMand RAMis typically faster than to secondary storage. The secondary storage, the RAM, and/or the ROMmay be referred to in some contexts as computer readable storage media and/or non-transitory computer readable media.

I/O devicesmay include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices.

The network connectivity devicesmay take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards, and/or other well-known network devices. The network connectivity devicesmay provide wired communication links and/or wireless communication links (e.g., a first network connectivity devicemay provide a wired communication link and a second network connectivity devicemay provide a wireless communication link). Wired communication links may be provided in accordance with Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Internet protocol (IP), time division multiplex (TDM), data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and/or the like. In an embodiment, the radio transceiver cards may provide wireless communication links using protocols such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), WiFi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, Zigbee, narrowband Internet of things (NB IoT), near field communications (NFC), radio frequency identity (RFID). The radio transceiver cards may promote radio communications using 5G, 5G New Radio, or 5G LTE radio communication protocols. These network connectivity devicesmay enable the processorto communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. With such a network connection, it is contemplated that the processormight receive information from the network, or might output information to the network in the course of performing the above-described method steps. Such information, which is often represented as a sequence of instructions to be executed using processor, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.

Such information, which may include data or instructions to be executed using processorfor example, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data baseband signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave. The baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave, or other types of signals currently used or hereafter developed, may be generated according to several methods well-known to one skilled in the art. The baseband signal and/or signal embedded in the carrier wave may be referred to in some contexts as a transitory signal.

The processorexecutes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (these various disk based systems may all be considered secondary storage), flash drive, ROM, RAM, or the network connectivity devices. While only one processoris shown, multiple processors may be present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors. Instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts, and/or data that may be accessed from the secondary storage, for example, hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and/or other device, the ROM, and/or the RAMmay be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory instructions and/or non-transitory information.

In an embodiment, the computer systemmay comprise two or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform a task. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of the instructions of the application. Alternatively, the data processed by the application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of different portions of a data set by the two or more computers. In an embodiment, virtualization software may be employed by the computer systemto provide the functionality of a number of servers that is not directly bound to the number of computers in the computer system. For example, virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In an embodiment, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by executing the application and/or applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providing computing services via a network connection using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and/or may be hired on an as-needed basis from a third party provider. Some cloud computing environments may comprise cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources hired and/or leased from a third party provider.

In an embodiment, some or all of the functionality disclosed above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may comprise one or more computer readable storage medium having computer usable program code embodied therein to implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may comprise data structures, executable instructions, and other computer usable program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable computer storage media and/or non-removable computer storage media. The removable computer readable storage medium may comprise, without limitation, a paper tape, a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid state memory chip, for example analog magnetic tape, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, multimedia cards, and others. The computer program product may be suitable for loading, by the computer system, at least portions of the contents of the computer program product to the secondary storage, to the ROM, to the RAM, and/or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system. The processormay process the executable instructions and/or data structures in part by directly accessing the computer program product, for example by reading from a CD-ROM disk inserted into a disk drive peripheral of the computer system. Alternatively, the processormay process the executable instructions and/or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example by downloading the executable instructions and/or data structures from a remote server through the network connectivity devices. The computer program product may comprise instructions that promote the loading and/or copying of data, data structures, files, and/or executable instructions to the secondary storage, to the ROM, to the RAM, and/or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system.

In some contexts, the secondary storage, the ROM, and the RAMmay be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium or a computer readable storage media. A dynamic RAM embodiment of the RAM, likewise, may be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium in that while the dynamic RAM receives electrical power and is operated in accordance with its design, for example during a period of time during which the computer systemis turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM stores information that is written to it. Similarly, the processormay comprise an internal RAM, an internal ROM, a cache memory, and/or other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or components that may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory computer readable media or computer readable storage media.

depicts the user equipment (UE), which is operable for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure should not be limited to these implementations. Though illustrated as a mobile phone, the UEmay take various forms including a wireless handset, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a gaming device, or a media player. The UEincludes a touchscreen displayhaving a touch-sensitive surface for input by a user. A small number of application iconsare illustrated within the touch screen display. It is understood that in different embodiments, any number of application iconsmay be presented in the touch screen display. In some embodiments of the UE, a user may be able to download and install additional applications on the UE, and an icon associated with such downloaded and installed applications may be added to the touch screen displayor to an alternative screen. The UEmay have other components such as electro-mechanical switches, speakers, camera lenses, microphones, input and/or output connectors, and other components as are well known in the art. The UEmay present options for the user to select, controls for the user to actuate, and/or cursors or other indicators for the user to direct. The UEmay further accept data entry from the user, including numbers to dial or various parameter values for configuring the operation of the handset. The UEmay further execute one or more software or firmware applications in response to user commands. These applications may configure the UEto perform various customized functions in response to user interaction. Additionally, the UEmay be programmed and/or configured over-the-air, for example from a wireless base station, a wireless access point, or a peer UE. The UEmay execute a web browser application which enables the touch screen displayto show a web page. The web page may be obtained via wireless communications with a base transceiver station, a wireless network access node, a peer UEor any other wireless communication network or system.

shows a block diagram of the UE. While a variety of known components of handsets are depicted, in an embodiment a subset of the listed components and/or additional components not listed may be included in the UE. The UEincludes a digital signal processor (DSP)and a memory. As shown, the UEmay further include one or more antenna and front end unit, a one or more radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a baseband processing unit, a microphone, an earpiece speaker, a headset port, an input/output interface, a removable memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an infrared port, a vibrator, one or more electro-mechanical switches, a touch screen display, a touch screen controller, a camera, a camera controller, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In an embodiment, the UEmay include another kind of display that does not provide a touch sensitive screen. In an embodiment, the UEmay include both the touch screen displayand additional display component that does not provide a touch sensitive screen. In an embodiment, the DSPmay communicate directly with the memorywithout passing through the input/output interface. Additionally, in an embodiment, the UEmay comprise other peripheral devices that provide other functionality.

The DSPor some other form of controller or central processing unit operates to control the various components of the UEin accordance with embedded software or firmware stored in memoryor stored in memory contained within the DSPitself. In addition to the embedded software or firmware, the DSPmay execute other applications stored in the memoryor made available via information carrier media such as portable data storage media like the removable memory cardor via wired or wireless network communications. The application software may comprise a compiled set of machine-readable instructions that configure the DSPto provide the desired functionality, or the application software may be high-level software instructions to be processed by an interpreter or compiler to indirectly configure the DSP.

The DSPmay communicate with a wireless network via the analog baseband processing unit. In some embodiments, the communication may provide Internet connectivity, enabling a user to gain access to content on the Internet and to send and receive e-mail or text messages. The input/output interfaceinterconnects the DSPand various memories and interfaces. The memoryand the removable memory cardmay provide software and data to configure the operation of the DSP. Among the interfaces may be the USB portand the infrared port. The USB portmay enable the UEto function as a peripheral device to exchange information with a personal computer or other computer system. The infrared portand other optional ports such as a Bluetooth® interface or an IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless interface may enable the UEto communicate wirelessly with other nearby handsets and/or wireless base stations.

In an embodiment, one or more of the radio transceivers is a cellular radio transceiver. A cellular radio transceiver promotes establishing a wireless communication link with a cell site according to one or more of a 5G, a long term evolution (LTE), a code division multiple access (CDMA), a global system for mobile communications (GSM) wireless communication protocol. In an embodiment, one of the radio transceiversmay comprise a near field communication (NFC) transceiver. The NFC transceiver may be used to complete payment transactions with point-of-sale terminals or other communications exchanges. In an embodiment, each of the different radio transceiversmay be coupled to its own separate antenna. In an embodiment, the UEmay comprise a radio frequency identify (RFID) reader and/or writer device.

The switchesmay couple to the DSPvia the input/output interfaceto provide one mechanism for the user to provide input to the UE. Alternatively, one or more of the switchesmay be coupled to a motherboard of the UEand/or to components of the UEvia a different path (e.g., not via the input/output interface), for example coupled to a power control circuit (power button) of the UE. The touch screen displayis another input mechanism, which further displays text and/or graphics to the user. The touch screen LCD controllercouples the DSPto the touch screen display. The GPS receiveris coupled to the DSPto decode global positioning system signals, thereby enabling the UEto determine its position.

Turning now to, an exemplary communication systemis described. Typically, the communication systemincludes a number of access nodesthat are configured to provide coverage in which UEssuch as cell phones, tablet computers, machine-type-communication devices, tracking devices, embedded wireless modules, and/or other wirelessly equipped communication devices (whether or not user operated), can operate. The access nodesmay be said to establish an access network. The access networkmay be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) in some contexts. In a 5G technology generation an access nodemay be referred to as a next Generation Node B (gNB). In 4G technology (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) technology) an access nodemay be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNB). In 3G technology (e.g., code division multiple access (CDMA) and global system for mobile communication (GSM)) an access nodemay be referred to as a base transceiver station (BTS) combined with a base station controller (BSC). In some contexts, the access nodemay be referred to as a cell site or a cell tower. In some implementations, a picocell may provide some of the functionality of an access node, albeit with a constrained coverage area. Each of these different embodiments of an access nodemay be considered to provide roughly similar functions in the different technology generations.

In an embodiment, the access networkcomprises a first access node, a second access node, and a third access node. It is understood that the access networkmay include any number of access nodes. Further, each access nodecould be coupled with a core networkthat provides connectivity with various application serversand/or a network. In an embodiment, at least some of the application serversmay be located close to the network edge (e.g., geographically close to the UEand the end user) to deliver so-called “edge computing.” The networkmay be one or more private networks, one or more public networks, or a combination thereof. The networkmay comprise the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The networkmay comprise the Internet. With this arrangement, a UEwithin coverage of the access networkcould engage in air-interface communication with an access nodeand could thereby communicate via the access nodewith various application servers and other entities.

The communication systemcould operate in accordance with a particular radio access technology (RAT), with communications from an access nodeto UEsdefining a downlink or forward link and communications from the UEsto the access nodedefining an uplink or reverse link. Over the years, the industry has developed various generations of RATs, in a continuous effort to increase available data rate and quality of service for end users. These generations have ranged from “1G,” which used simple analog frequency modulation to facilitate basic voice-call service, to “4G”—such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), which now facilitates mobile broadband service using technologies such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple input multiple output (MIMO).